Maui plaintiffs settle for $4 billion in global resolution following wildfire tragedy lawsuits

Hawaii Governor Josh Green made a historic announcement on Friday about a substantial $4.037 billion settlement to address claims stemming from the tragic August 8, 2023, Maui wildfires that resulted in over 100 fatalities, displaced thousands, and destroyed numerous homes and businesses.

Just before the one-year anniversary of the disaster, the seven defendants – state of Hawai‘i, County of Maui, Hawaiian Electric, Kamehameha Schools, West Maui Land Co., Hawaiian Telcom, and Spectrum/Charter Communications – “made significant efforts to reach a resolution that meets the requirements and ensures the welfare of plaintiffs, all affected individuals, and their families,” as per a press release from Governor Green’s office.

The settlement deals with approximately 450 legal actions filed by individuals, companies, and insurers in both state and federal courts related to the fires in Lahaina and Upcountry on Maui.

The agreement for settlement is awaiting final paperwork and court endorsement, according to Governor Green’s office.

Currently, the governor’s office reports that the agreement is conditional on resolving insurance company claims that have already been compensated for losses and damages, with no further payments from some defendants. Once an ultimate settlement agreement is signed and approved after judicial and legislative examination, payments are set to commence by mid-2025.

“My main focus as Governor was to speed up the agreement process and avoid lengthy and distressing legal battles so that resources could reach those impacted by the wildfires swiftly,” stated Green in a Friday declaration. “Resolving an issue of this magnitude within a year is unparalleled, and it will be beneficial for our community to begin rebuilding their lives without prolonged delays experienced in other locations that have faced similar calamities.”

As the community prepares to remember those lost one year on, they are also in the midst of reconstruction, with construction permits being newly issued, ongoing debris removal, and some families still without homes.

The devastation caused by the wildfires compelled Maui local authorities and residents to confront a range of issues that had been troubling the community.

The repercussions of tourism, climate change, lack of affordable housing, and more became crucial focal points in the community’s recovery process.